Columbia University professors staged a protest on March 23, 2025, in response to the university’s agreement to implement several policy changes following demands by the Trump administration. These changes are part of an effort to restore $400 million in federal funding, which was previously pulled from the Ivy League institution. Professors and university staff gathered outside the gates of the university, voicing their concerns over what they believe to be a threat to academic freedom.
The university’s interim president had announced last week that Columbia would comply with a series of demands, including hiring 36 new special officers with arresting powers and modifying the disciplinary process. These changes were made in exchange for the reinstatement of federal funds, but professors argue that they will lead to increased political pressure on faculty members, potentially undermining academic integrity.
Protests intensify as students and faculty return
Monday, March 23 marked the first day back from spring break for students and faculty, and the protests intensified as more people joined the demonstrations. The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) held a vigil outside Columbia, with demonstrators dressed in black to symbolize the loss of academic freedom. Signs bearing slogans such as “Hands off our students, faculty and research” were visible, and faculty members, including Michael Thaddeus, a professor of mathematics and vice president of the AAUP, spoke out against the changes.
Thaddeus expressed concern that the new policies would give the university’s administration unchecked authority over disciplinary decisions. “Once the president and the provost have unilateral control of discipline, then much more political pressure is going to be exerted on them,” Thaddeus said, as quoted by CBS News. He emphasized that faculty members, who have tenure, are protected from such pressures, unlike the university’s administrators.
Protests grow over political pressure and student rights
The Student Workers of Columbia, a union representing teaching assistants and researchers, also joined the protests, calling for the university to become a sanctuary campus. Jed Holtz, a member of the Freedom Socialist Party, argued that the university’s business interests were taking precedence over student rights, particularly those of immigrant student workers. Holtz stated, “They’re targeting immigrant student workers who are the most vulnerable,” as reported by CBS News.
Professors and students have also raised concerns about the university’s actions to combat antisemitism, which they argue are insufficient. The protests reflect a broader debate over the balance between protecting free expression and addressing hate speech on campus. The university’s commitment to these policies has yet to fully appease all stakeholders.